Autograph Collecting
Superman's Lois Lane, Margot Kidder, dies at age 69
One of the biggest names from 1970s/1980s comic book movies is gone.Margot Kidder, who played super-reporter Lois Lane in the first four Superman films died on Sunday at her home in Livingston, Mont. She was 69.
Her acting career began in the late-1960s and included roles up until last year, but she's best-known for her time across from Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman beginning with the landmark 1978 film.
"Nothing prepares anyone for that sudden thing of being world-famous, it was such a shock," she said in a past interview. "It wasn't something I really liked or something I was very good at. I didn't realize how good the movie was until I [had] seen it at the premier in Washington."eBay Buzz Weekly Update: Albert Pujols gamers, vintage wax, Deadpool 2's Domino & WWE's Sasha Banks vs. Bayley
Have you seen the latest interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.--
THE MACHINE'S HARDWARE
The Item: Albert Pujols MLB Authenticated Los Angeles Angels batting helmet
The Price: $7,999.99 Buy-It-Now (or best offer)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This one was worn on Sept. 25, 2015, when Pujols hit his 557th career home run -- an item that's more than just a gamer -- and it's fully authenticated by MLB (click the pic at right for closer look at that authentication number). Now that Pujols is a member of the 3,000-hit and 600-homer club -- something only four players have ever done -- there should be a little more appreciation for his memorabilia and key cards even though he's got two hobby heavyweights in the lineup with him.
Similar Pieces: Game-used helmets on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for MLB cardsKeep reading for four more interesting items in this week's roundup ...
Playing Favorites: Rob Rich's No. 1 baseball item ...
Do you have a single card or item in your collection that stands out from the rest?It's often not easy to pick one when looking at a collection that you spent plenty of time (and likely money) building. Is picking just one favorite a challenge that you could take on? Tweet @blowoutbuzz on Twitter (or send an email at the address below) for more info on how you can have your favorite card or item highlighted here on The Buzz. We want to see what makes you tick.
Here is our latest collector to take this challenge. Check it out ...
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Name: Rob Rich
Find him at: @robrich333 or natsfan1 on Blowout Forums
Location: Kentucky
Collects: I collect Rookie Cards of modern stars as well as autographs of Hall of Fame players.The favorite: PSA/DNA authenticated Babe Ruth Perez-Steele custom cut autograph
Why this matters to me: Neither of my parents are sports fans, but they encouraged reading and first bought me a baseball history book when I first expressed interest in the sport. It was the perfect gift to learn about the game that would become my greatest passion in life. Babe Ruth was clearly a larger-than-life figure, and, even as a kid that was born 100 years after his birth, I felt this sense of awe when learning of his accomplishments. When I moved into collecting, I truly felt a genuine connection when owning an autograph of a player. It's like I have a personal slither of history and greatness. Unless you are an avid autograph collector, it is difficult to articulate just how connected you can feel to an individual that you have never met through something as simple as an autograph. The simplicity behind an autograph is what truly makes it beautiful. A brief moment in time occurred where an athlete writes his name on an item, but a historical event takes place in my eyes. For a fleeting moment, an individual who has reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement has held the item that is now yours, and permanently left a reminder of their greatness for years to come.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (May 1)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.What's Buzzing Today: Topps Living set, NFL breaks, 2018 Bowman, inside the Leaf Memorabilia Vault, Corey Seager and more.
First UEFA Champions League Chrome autos offer extra kick
There’s a newcomer in the Topps lineup this year with a legendary rainbow of Refractors that has thrilled collectors worldwide for years now in a number of sports. It's hit the Champions League pitch for the first time this year, though, with a roster of signers that that could contend for a World Cup if there was one for soccer cards.It’s 2017-18 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League and it arrived last week with some of the biggest autographs in the global game possible in every box — but without a high-end price.
Also helping this one heat up? Team colors -- stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo are featured in their natural uniforms. Also adding some power? Timing and a limited release. This one has arrived well before the World Cup, giving it time to gain momentum before demand for soccer cards kicks in even harder atop interest in this inaugural release. It's also only found in hobby shops, not at Walmart or Target.
Sean Manaea's no-hitter should put spotlight on his few cards
Quick, can you name one of his Rookie Cards?More people should be able to answer that soon after Oakland A's pitcher Sean Manaea threw the first no-hitter of this young season Saturday night in Oakland. He shut down the Boston Red Sox with 10 strikeouts and just two walks in his gem, which upped his career record to 21-21 as a big-league pitcher.
Now, about that cardboard?
First Buzz: 2018 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Football Mini Helmets

What: 2018 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Football Mini Helmets
Arrives: May 30
Box basics: One autographed mini helmet per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's Hidden Treasures is back on the gridiron for another year with some new NFL names and some of the biggest names from the past all inside its boxes.
Portion of Jack Smalling autograph collection to hit auction
Depending on your age, you might not know the name Jack Smalling -- but he wrote the book on through-the-mail autograph collecting back in the day when most autographs weren't just a click away.While The Baseball Autograph Collector's Handbook is up to its 19th edition today with addresses for more than 90 percent of known living major leaguers, coaches and umpires inside, it's the fruits of his publishing passion -- his autographs -- that are on the auction block in one single lot coming to the auction from Heritage Auctions next month.
"Many, if not most, of Smalling's greatest successes came from trails long since gone cold, but when Smalling first took up his hobby in 1962, quite a few Dead Ball Era legends still walked the Earth," said the auction listing. "And if not the players themselves, then their children or grandchildren, pleased in that pre-Internet age that somewhere, someone still remembered the man. They were all too happy to drop a cancelled check or a clipping from an old lease into the supplied self-addressed, stamped envelope in fulfillment of Smalling's request. More than a half century later, Smalling's collection of autographs numbers in the six figures."
First Buzz: 2018 Leaf Autographed Football Jersey Edition

What: 2018 Leaf Autographed Football Jersey Edition
Arrives: June-July
Box basics: One autographed custom jersey per box (eight boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: Leaf once again brings the fabric of the game to the blind-wrapped football memorabilia market with "an incredible mix of Hall of Famers, fan favorites, the biggest stars in the game today plus the hottest young players in the game."
Keep reading for more.
First Buzz: 2018 Historic Autographs Art of Baseball
What: 2018 Historic Autographs Art of Baseball
Arrives: May 30
Box basics: Three slabbed autograph cards per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: The biggest names in the game arrive here with a mix of signed Exhibit cards, signed Perez Steele cards and Hall of Fame plaque postcards.
Keep reading for more information.
First Buzz: 2018 Historic Autographs HOF Inductees
What: 2018 Historic Autographs HOF Inductees (baseball & football)
Arrives: May 9
Box basics: Three slabbed & authenticated autographs per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: A mix of Hall of Famers from both baseball and football are found in this one, which is all about authenticated cards in slabs -- not cuts.
Keep reading for more information.
First Buzz: 2018 Historic Autographs Celebrity Vintage
What: 2018 Historic Autographs Celebrity Vintage
Arrives: May 16
Box basics: Two encapsulated cut autographs per box (10 boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: Historic Autographs takes to Hollywood history once again with a product that will be limited to no more than 76 10-box cases (1,520 cards max) with some big names included.
Keep reading for more information.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (April 3)
The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.What's Buzzing Today: Pondering the best MLB autographs, big repack highlights and big pulls today.
Shohei Ohtani talks baseball cards with Panini America
If you have an old Calbee baseball card of Ichiro Suzuki, there might be a rookie who wants it -- that's one of the nuggets from a new Panini America Spring Training Road Trip video featuring Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.Check it out after the jump ... and you can get a sneak peek at some of the high-end baseball cards on the way that will include his autograph.
Matt Davidson's huge day should focus spotlight on key cards
Giancarlo who?That might be the question for some baseball fans -- particularly if they are Chicago White Sox-minded -- after Opening Day as Matt Davidson and his Sox made a little history on Thursday, despite the two-homer debut of that other guy on some team somewhere.
Davidson became just the fourth player in MLB history to hit three home runs on Opening Day and his team tied the MLB record with six longballs on the day as part of a 14-7 win over the Kansas City Royals.
Davidson joins George Bell (1988), Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes (1994) and Dmitri Young (2005) in the Opening Day club, while the only other team to go yard that often was the 1988 New York Mets. The good news here for collectors? Unlike that guy in pinstripes, Davidson's certified autographs are relatively plentiful and available -- and he's been appearing on cards just as long.
Albert Pujols joins autograph signers lineup for The National
One of baseball's biggest sluggers is set to sign at this year's National Sports Collectors Convention this August in Cleveland, Ohio.TRISTAR announced on Tuesday that Los Angeles Angels designated hitter and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols will be among the autograph guests for this year's show.
Shohei Ohtani signs exclusive autographed memorabilia deal with Topps Authentics

If you've wanted a Shohei Ohtani autographed jersey, Topps Authentics is on it -- and it's now the only place where you'll be able to land the new Los Angeles Angels rookie.
Autographed baseballs and seven different autographed jerseys were among the first wave of signed pieces up for grabs from the company's memorabilia division with prices starting at $399.99 after their first signing -- and now he's an exclusive as of today.
“I’m excited to be part of Topps Authentics because Topps has a long history in baseball and partnering with its players,” Ohtani said.
PSA/DNA simplifies QuickOpinion service for eBay items

If you're curious about the possible authenticity of an autographed item up for auction on eBay, PSA/DNA is now offering its QuickOpinion service specifically for items on the auction site.The service isn't new, but it's been simplified where authenticators can offer their view on an item simply by providing the auction number and other basic info.
Saquon Barkley signs exclusive autograph deal with Panini
Penn State star Saquon Barkley has a new team -- and it's Panini America.The Dallas-based collectibles company announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with the star running back to be an exclusive member of the Panini Authentic team as well as to sign trading cards.
“Saquon Barkley is a franchise-type talent that promises to be one of the first players selected in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft. We’re thrilled to partner with him in such a meaningful way as he begins his NFL career,” said Panini CEO Mark Warsop. “Fans and collectors almost instantly devoured his first Panini America trading cards on the Panini Instant platform. That demand is certain to increase throughout his rookie season. Barkley will absolutely be a key driver for our NFL business in 2018.”
NCAA's winningest baseball coach Augie Garrido dies at 79
Nobody won more games as a college baseball coach, but despite a life spent in the game there's just one place to look if you want a certified autograph of Augie Garrido.And that's in packs of 2007 Topps Allen & Ginter.
The 79-year-old former coach of the Texas Longhorns and Cal State Fullerton Titans won the College World Series five times and a record 1,975 games in a career that spanned 48 seasons. He died on Thursday after suffering a stroke last week.
"This is a very, very sad day," said Texas AD Chris Del Conte. "We lost one of the greatest coaches of all time, a truly special Longhorn Legend and college athletics icon. There will never be another Augie Garrido. He was a once-in-a-lifetime personality whose impact on Texas Athletics, collegiate baseball and the student-athletes he coached extended far beyond the playing field. If you were fortunate enough to have spent time with Augie, or if you followed him in any way, he had a great effect on you with his brilliant combination of wisdom, wit and charm. He was just an incredible coach, molder of men and a great person."
First Buzz: 2018 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures New York Dynasty

What: 2018 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures New York Dynasty autographed baseballs
Arrives: May 16
Box basics: One autographed baseball per box (12 boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's autographed baseball chase brand takes a New York twist for another season as this one's all about the Yankees with stars of the past and present being part of a chase that includes more than just standard signed baseballs.
Keep reading for more and a gallery of what's in this one.
Buzz 12 in 12: Busting a 1996 Score Board Autographed Collection sports cards box (Hour 1)
Do you like Buzz Breaks? Today's your day then as we launch 12 in 12 -- a series of a dozen breaks of wax boxes and wax packs in a dozen hours. We'll post one every hour all day long ... this is Hour 1.
The box: 1996 Score Board Autographed Collection
The cost: $43 (Expect to pay more ... if you can even find one.)
What's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Buzz Break: 2018 Leaf Heroes of the Game Cut Signature box
From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The pack: 2018 Leaf Heroes of the Game Cut Signature box
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Cut autographed cards per box: 1
Base set completion: N/A
Duplicates: 0Cody Bellinger among three Topps Finest Mystery Rookies
If you pulled a Mystery Redemption in a pack of 2017 Topps Finest baseball cards, you might be the owner of a new Cody Bellinger autograph.The reigning National League Rookie of the Year was one of three players revealed as being part of the redemption program from that brand on Monday.
Tiger Woods is back -- and his autographs can still be pulled
One of golf's greatest players is back on the links and in contention once again -- and that means there should be renewed interest in his cards and his autographs.
Tiger Woods finished in a tie for second place at the Valspar Championship on Sunday just one stroke behind winner Paul Casey. Woods, 42, hasn't won a tournament since 2013 and he's had multiple issues that have prevented him from re-capturing his past successes on the links.But you wouldn't know that from the headlines.
"Nothing like we've seen in several years" read one, "Tiger Woods gave us a moment" read another. "Doubt him no more: Tiger Woods is going to win again" said another. "Tiger Woods leaves fans wanting more" and on and on ...
Here's a reminder of his golfing greatness -- his next PGA Tour victory will be his 80th and only Sam Snead has more. Meanwhile, his 14 Major wins are second to only Jack Nicklaus' 18 -- so there should be no doubting his place in golf history.
When it comes to today's golf cards? Woods is still a clear No. 1 -- though his struggles, combined with the continued availability of wax boxes from 2001 when he helped bring golf cards back to the masses, mean there could be bargains to be found.






























